Tough Times Call for Responsible Leaders

Due to the ever-changing economy, many responsible leaders will have to make huge changes in how they manage. Today’s challenges demand a deep look into the operational details of your business with lots of hands-on involvement. It’s not enough to sit at your desk anymore, read status reports, and direct your team. You need a deep understanding of what’s happening with your customers and in your own office. I’m not saying to abandon the big picture and strategic thinking, but these days every responsible leader has to be involved, visible, and in daily communication with his/her staff. Your new thought process has to be: hands on, team player. You need information that is up to date and from the source.

Responsible leaders should have an understanding of how tight credit and the threat of job losses are changing staff and client behaviors. Get up, get out and learn! At the very least, work with your staff that is close to customers and clients. All of the information you gather needs to be shared and analyzed in order to identify patterns. More importantly, you need to see the big picture. Ask yourself: How is one thing affecting many others?

In this environment, any lack of focus, urgency, or flexibility will hurt your company. Only by joining people as a team can you obtain focus, urgency, and flexibility, making the decision-making process faster and better. These days, the quicker you make informed decisions, the better off your company will be. As responsible leaders it is your job to make the big decisions as well as see the big picture. Without your team to help, how do you expect to do your job?